Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may make you more drowsy, dizzy, less alert, or lightheaded than normal. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly or lying down for awhile may help.

Do not use this medicine together with a drug for depression called a MAO inhibitor. Some examples of MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®), selegiline (Eldepryl®), and tranylcypromine (Parnate®). You should also not use a MAO inhibitor in the 14 days before starting atomoxetine and in the first 14 days after you stop using it.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have itching, hives, hoarseness, shortness of breath, trouble with breathing, trouble with swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you take this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms: a skin rash, dark urine, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, or right upper belly pain or tenderness. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Atomoxetine may cause serious heart or blood vessel problems. This may be more likely in patients who have a family history of heart disease. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking this medicine.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine or when the dose is increased. Getting up slowly or lying down for awhile may help.

Tell your doctor right away if you, your child, or a caregiver notices any unusual changes in behavior, such as an increase in aggression, hostility, agitation, irritability, or suicidal thinking or behavior. Also tell your doctor if you have hallucinations or any unusual thoughts, especially if they are new or getting worse quickly.

This medicine may cause slow growth in children. Your child's doctor will keep track of height and weight.

If you or your child experience a prolonged or painful erection of the penis for more than 4 hours, check with your doctor right away.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.